Kent Rollins' Fried Chimichangas

Crispy, cheesy, and savory fried chimichangas filled with seasoned chicken and green chilies, perfect for a hearty meal.
35m4Servings
Nutrition
780kcal
54gProtein
46gCarbs
42gFat
Ingredients
Shredded Chicken
2 cups
Canned Chopped Green Chilies
4 oz
Shredded Cheese Mix
2 cups
Large Flour Tortillas
8 pieces
Vegetable Oil
½ cup
Salt
To taste
to taste
Black Pepper
To taste
to taste
Cumin
1 tsp
Smoked Paprika
1 tsp
Oregano
½ tsp
Bouillon Cube
0.5 piece
Mesquite Seasoning
1 tbsp
Equipment
Cast Iron Skillet
Instructions
1Prepare the Filling
10m
Combine Chicken and Chilies
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and drained chopped green chilies. Add salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, half a bouillon cube, mesquite seasoning, and about half a cup of the chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Reheat Filling
Transfer the mixture to a pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have blended. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
2Assemble the Chimichangas
10m
Prepare Tortillas
Lay out a large flour tortilla. Place two slices of Colby Jack cheese and two slices of Monterey Jack cheese on one half of the tortilla, leaving some space on the edges.
Add Filling
Spoon a generous amount of the warm chicken and green chili mixture over the cheese. Try to keep the filling centered and not too close to the edges.
Fold and Roll
Fold the tortilla in half, then fold in the sides to create a rectangular shape. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the filling as you go, to form a chimichanga. Ensure the seam is on the bottom.
Repeat
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and filling to create all the chimichangas.
3Fry the Chimichangas
10m
Heat Oil
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it; it should sizzle immediately.
Fry Chimichangas
Carefully place 2-3 chimichangas seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently to ensure even cooking.
Drain Chimichangas
Remove the chimichangas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Tips
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chimichangas to achieve a crispy exterior without them becoming greasy.
Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying; cook in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature.
For extra flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or salsa to the filling before rolling.